'Face on the Barroom Floor'

Friday

Mar 28, 2014 at 3:00 PM

Thursday night was the dress rehearsal for "Face on the Barroom Floor."

Bette McFarrenbmcfarren@ljtdmail.com

Thursday night this reporter went to the dress rehearsal for "Face on the Barroom Floor." When you're watching a melodrama, you really need audience participation. That's why going to the dress rehearsal is not nearly as good as going to the performance. Nevertheless, It was fun, especially the Olio part, where the old jokes were located. These are short vaudeville-like spots, with the jokes short and to the point. (Some greeted with a groan.)

Playing a major part and making her La Junta stage debut was Sheila Henry of Rocky Ford Library fame. Director Steve Simpson said she was having a very good time. She wore numerous wigs in her different personas and has a nice clear stage voice.

Favorite parts for me: the big fight between the hero and the villain, singing along with Steve Simpson, Henry and others throwing the wigs around.

The villain duly drew some hisses and boos from the sparse audience for dress rehearsal, and the hero some cheers. It will be a lot more fun with a big audience, so come out and support your local college troubadours. Please remember to sigh and hold your hand to your heart for the lovely heroine, who really can sing, as she proved in the olio.